Credit: AMNA
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg issued a ruling on August 14 that could impact the legality of Greece‘s recent three-month suspension of asylum applications.
The court instructed Greek authorities not to deport eight Sudanese nationals who had entered Crete illegally from Libya. Instead, Greece was told to await the outcome of the migrants’ legal challenge, as they had been denied the opportunity to apply for asylum.
Interim measures ordered for Greece asylum suspension
The ECHR granted interim measures in favor of the eight Sudanese men, who are currently held at the Amygdaleza detention center near Athens.
Although they expressed their intention to seek asylum, they were unable to submit applications due to a July 14 legislative amendment that temporarily suspended the right to apply for asylum for migrants entering Greece irregularly from North African countries.
While the Strasbourg decision applies directly only to the eight individuals, it is binding for the Greek state and is expected to influence future rulings in domestic courts.
NGO and legal reactions
A nongovernmental organization representing four of the Sudanese migrants issued a statement emphasizing that the men had attempted to file asylum claims but were blocked by Greece’s Asylum Service due to the legislative suspension. Since mid-July, new arrivals have been issued standardized deportation orders by the police, and any appeals against those orders have been systematically rejected.
Workers within Greece’s Migration Ministry have also expressed concerns over the legality of the process. In a recent statement, staff responsible for handling asylum applications noted that they were being asked to sign off on decisions based on political instructions rather than documented legal criteria. Employees at the Reception and Identification Service echoed these concerns, stressing that the suspension raises questions about the lawful operation of Greece’s reception facilities.
Government’s position on asylum suspension
Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris responded to the ruling by emphasizing respect for both national and European court decisions, while defending the government’s policy. He argued that the temporary suspension of asylum applications was necessary to protect Greek citizens from “uncontrolled flows at the borders.”
“The amendment was fully justified, time-limited, and sent a clear message: Greece will not become a country of open borders, nor will we welcome arrivals with flowers,” the Minister stated. “We will not accept boatloads of people without responding.”
Broader implications of ECHR ruling on asylum suspension in Greece
The ECHR decision underscores the ongoing tension between national migration policies and international human rights obligations. While Greece maintains that its measures are temporary and essential for border control, human rights advocates contend that denying migrants the right to seek asylum violates fundamental protections under European law.
The case of the eight Sudanese nationals may prove pivotal in shaping Greece’s approach to asylum policy in the months ahead, potentially prompting a reconsideration of the controversial suspension.